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Indian Hills CA

About this Area

The Conservation Department established Indian Hills Conservation Area with the purchase of two tracts in 1986. Purchases in 1990, 1991, and 2006 brought the area to its present size of 3,974 acres.

This area is a mix of bottomlands and gently rolling hills. Approximately 25 percent of the area is forested and the remainder is cropfield, hayland, or old fields.

Over five miles of permanent stream flows through the area. The South Fork of the Middle Fabius River and the North Fork of the Middle Fabius River converge on the area's east side.

The forest is predominately oak-hickory in the uplands and mixed hardwoods along the bottomlands.

The area features a managed marsh and several oxbow lakes, which seasonally attract a variety of wetland wildlife species. Ducks, geese, shorebirds, wading birds, and song birds regularly use the area.

The Department manages the resources of Indian Hills Conservation Area to provide public recreation and to protect soil and water quality. Management practices, including timber harvest, tree and shrub plantings, controlled burning, discing and dozing old fields, planting food plots, and permittee farming all help improve wildlife habitats.

From Memphis, take Highway 15 south 8 miles, then Route T west 3.50 miles, and south 1 mile at the area sign.

Area Regulations

3CSR 10-11105 Title; Authority

Chapter 11 of the Wildlife Code applies to this area. The information provided reflects regulations for most activities on this conservation area but does not contain regulations for all possible uses. For more information on area regulations consult the Wildlife Code or call the phone number listed for the area in the area details section.

In addition to the rules of the Wildlife Code, federal, state and local laws apply on department lands. The destruction, defacing, or removal of department property is also prohibited.

The use of fireworks is prohibited.

Commercial use and vending are prohibited on department areas.

Soil disturbance and digging, including the digging of roots, is prohibited on all department areas

Waste containers located on department areas may be used only for disposal of garbage, trash, refuse, or rubbish generated on the department area. NOTE: Waste containers are not provided on all department areas.

Guiding for pay is prohibited on department areas.

The placement of grain, salt products, minerals, and other consumable natural and manufactured products is prohibited on department areas.

Trail and game cameras are prohibited.

Feral livestock may not be taken (including the hunting of feral hogs) on department areas.

Collecting wild animals (including invertebrates) and their unprocessed parts is prohibited except under the provisions of a valid Wildlife Collector's Permit, or as otherwise authorized in the Wildlife Code.

3CSR 10-11115 Closings

This department area is open for public use from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily; however, hunting fishing, trapping, dog training, camping, launching and landing boats is allowed 24 hours a day on areas where these activities are permitted.

Parking or storing watercraft or commercial vehicles is prohibited on department areas during closed hours.

3CSR 10-11135 Wild Plants, Plant Products, and Mushrooms

Vegetation, including trees, may not be cut or destroyed. The only exception is that willows (Salicaceae spp.) may be cut for use in constructing on-site blinds.

Collecting or possessing wild plants and their unprocessed parts is prohibited except under the provisions of a valid Letter of Authorization for Plant Collecting, or as otherwise authorized in the Wildlife Code.

Nuts, berries, fruits, edible wild greens and mushrooms may be taken only for personal consumption; EXCEPT on locations designated as Missouri Natural Areas, taking edible wild greens is prohibited.

3CSR 10-11130 Vehicles, Bicycles, Horses, and Horseback Riding

Unless otherwise posted, vehicles are only permitted on public roadways (graveled and paved roads) and in established parking areas.

State laws regarding the operation, registration and required equipment apply to the operation of motor vehicles on locations open to vehicular traffic on department areas.

Except as otherwise posted, the speed limit on department areas is 45 miles per hour.

Unless otherwise posted, bicycles are allowed on roads open to vehicular traffic. Bicycles must stay on roads open to vehicular traffic or on multi-use trails posted as open to bicycles. Groups of 10 or more people using bicycles on a department area must obtain a special use permit from the area manager. The area manger can be contacted at the phone number listed in the area details section for this department area.

Equestrian use is allowed on roads open to vehicular traffic. Horses must stay on roads open to vehicular traffic or on multi-use trails posted as open to horses. Groups of 10 or more people using horses on a department area must obtain a special use permit from the area manager. The area manger can be contacted at the phone number listed in the area details section for this department area.

3CSR 10-11140 Camping

Camping is allowed only as designated in the "Things To Do When You Visit" section for this department area. If camping is not listed as an activity in this section, camping is prohibited on the area. Designated camping areas may or may not have defined campsites. Seasonal closures and restrictions may apply to all camping on department areas.

On department areas where camping is allowed, camping is limited to a period of 14 consecutive days in any 30-day period. Personal property must be removed at the end of the 14-day period. Unless a special use permit is obtained, total camping days on all department areas are limited to a total of 30 days within one calendar year. Groups of more than 10 people must obtain a special use permit prior to camping. To obtain a special use permit, contact the area manager at the phone number listed for this area in the area details section.

Quiet hours are in effect in camping areas from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Visitors who are not occupying a campsite are required to leave the campground by 10 p.m.

On camping areas with established campsites, only two camping or sleeping units are permitted in each site.

3CSR 10-11150 Target Shooting and Shooting Ranges

Target shooting is not allowed anywhere on this department area.

3CSR 10-11120 Pets and Hunting Dogs

Pets and hunting dogs are permitted but must be on a leash or confined at all time. Hunting dogs may be used off the leash and unconfined for hunting and training for the purposes of chasing, locating, tracking or retrieving game on portions of conservation areas designated as open to hunting and dog training. Locations and times where pets and hunting dogs are permitted may be further restricted by area brochures or signs. A valid small game hunting permit is required to train dogs in pursuit of wildlife.

3CSR 10-11180 Hunting, General Provisions and Seasons

Hunting is prohibited on some conservation areas, but allowed on others. Special regulations may apply to hunting. To determine the hunting regulations for this conservation area, consult the Missouri Code of State Regulations in Chapter 11 of the Wildlife Code at https://www.sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/adrules/csr/current/3csr/3c10-11.pdf.

3CSR 10-11145 Tree Stands

Only portable tree stands are allowed on department areas from Sept. 1 through Jan. 31. Unattended stands must be plainly labeled on a durable material with the full name and address, or Conservation Number, of the owner and be removed from the area before Feb. 1. Use of nails, screw-in steps, and any material or method that would damage the tree is prohibited.

3CSR 10-11155 Decoys and Blinds

Decoys and Blinds are permitted on this department area, but must be disassembled and removed daily. Blinds constructed on-site may only be constructed from willows (Salicaceae spp.).

3CSR 10-11125 Field Trials

Field trials are prohibited on this department area.

3CSR 10-11200 Fishing, General Provisions and Seasons

Fishing is prohibited on some conservations, but allowed on others. Special regulations may apply to fishing. To determine the fishing regulations for this conservation area, consult the Missouri Code of State Regulations in Chapter 11 of the Wildlife Code.

3CSR 10-11160 Use of Boats and Motors

Boats (including sailboats) may be used on waters located on department areas. On lakes and ponds, boats may be used only on waters designated as open to boats. State laws regarding the operation, registration, and required safety equipment apply to watercraft being operated on waters under the control of the department. Boats may not be left unattended overnight.

Only electric motors are permitted on lakes and ponds of less than 70 acres.

Electric motors and outboard motors are permitted on lakes of 70 or more acres. Outboard motors of any size may be used, but outboard motors in excess of 10 horsepower must be operated at slow, no-wake speed.

The use of houseboats and personal watercraft are prohibited.

Float tubes may only be used for authorized fishing or hunting activities.

3CSR 10-11187 Trapping

Trapping in accordance with Chapter 8 of the Wildlife Code is allowed only with a special use permit. To inquire about the availability of a special use permit for trapping on this department area, contact the area manager at the phone number listed for this area in the area details section.

Seasonal Hunting and Fishing Information

Seasonal Hunting and Fishing Information:

Turkey - Spring

Youth Season

Apr072018

to

Apr082018

Regular Season

Apr162018

to

May062018

Hours

During the youth spring season, one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

Two male turkeys or turkeys with a visible beard, with the following restrictions:

Only one turkey during the first week of the regular spring season. Hunters who are unsuccessful during the first week, may take two turkey during the second and third week of the season, but both turkey may not be taken on the same day. A turkey harvested during the youth spring season counts toward a hunter's spring season bag limit.

During the spring youth season, only one male turkey or turkey with a visible beard. Youths who take a turkey during the youth season may not harvest their second bird until the second Monday of the regular spring season.

Methods

The following methods are allowed for turkey hunting: shotguns, with shot no larger than No. 4, atlatl, bow, and crossbow.

The following methods are prohibited for turkey hunting: use of dogs, bait, electronic calls or live decoys. Hunters also may not possess a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells in the magazine and chamber combined; shotshells loaded with shot larger than No. 4; arrows, bolts, and darts containing any drug, poison, chemical, or explosive; and electronic calls or electronically activated calls.

Species

Turkey

Turkey - Fall Firearms

Oct012018

to

Oct312018

Notes

During all portions of the firearms deer hunting season, all persons hunting any game, and also adult mentors accompanying them, must wear a cap or hat and a shirt, vest, or coat of the color commonly known as hunter orange, which must be plainly visible from all sides. Camouflage orange garments do not meet this requirement. Exceptions to this rule include the following: Migratory game bird hunters; Archery hunting within municipal boundaries where the discharge of firearms is prohibited; hunting on federal or state land where only archery methods are allowed; hunting only on an archery permit during the Alternative Methods Portion; hunting in a county that is closed during the Antlerless Portion; and hunting small game or furbearers during the Alternative Methods Portion.

Hours

One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

Limits

Two turkeys of either sex. Both turkeys may be taken on the same day.

Methods

The following methods are allowed for turkey hunting: shotguns, with shot no larger than No. 4, atlatl, bow, and crossbow.

The following methods are prohibited for turkey hunting: use of dogs, bait, electronic calls or live decoys. Hunters also may not possess a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells in the magazine and chamber combined; shotshells loaded with shot larger than No. 4; arrows, bolts, and darts containing any drug, poison, chemical, or explosive; and electronic calls or electronically activated calls.

While in the act of pursing or hunting turkey with an atlatl, bow, or crossbow on a fall firearms permit, the possession of a firearm is prohibited (except any person may carry concealable firearms, as defined in Chapter 571, RSMo, on or about his/her person while archery hunting, and firearms possessed under this exception may not be used to take wildlife while archery hunting).

Species

Turkey

Turkey - Archery

Early Portion

Sep152018

to

Nov092018

Late Portion

Nov212018

to

Jan152019

Notes

During all portions of the firearms deer hunting season, all persons hunting any game, and also adult mentors accompanying them, must wear a cap or hat and a shirt, vest, or coat of the color commonly known as hunter orange, which must be plainly visible from all sides. Camouflage orange garments do not meet this requirement. Exceptions to this rule include the following: Migratory game bird hunters; Archery hunting within municipal boundaries where the discharge of firearms is prohibited; hunting on federal or state land where only archery methods are allowed; hunting only on an archery permit during the Alternative Methods Portion; hunting in a county that is closed during the Antlerless Portion; and hunting small game or furbearers during the Alternative Methods Portion.

Hours

One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

Limits

Two turkeys of either sex. Both turkeys may be taken on the same day.

Methods

The following methods are allowed for hunting turkey: Atlatls, bows, and crossbows.

The following methods are prohibited for turkey hunting: use of dogs, bait, or live decoys. Hunters also may not possess firearms (except any person may carry concealable firearms, as defined in Chapter 571, RSMo, on or about his/her person while archery hunting, and firearms possessed under this exception may not be used to take wildlife while archery hunting); arrows, bolts, and darts containing any drug, poison, chemical, or explosive; and possession of electronic calls or electronically activated calls.

Species

Turkey

Deer - Archery

Early Portion

Sep152018

to

Nov092018

Late Portion

Nov212018

to

Jan152019

Notes

During all portions of the firearms deer hunting season, all persons hunting any game, and also adult mentors accompanying them, must wear a cap or hat and a shirt, vest, or coat of the color commonly known as hunter orange, which must be plainly visible from all sides. Camouflage orange garments do not meet this requirement. Exceptions to this rule include the following: Migratory game bird hunters; Archery hunting within municipal boundaries where the discharge of firearms is prohibited; hunting on federal or state land where only archery methods are allowed; hunting only on an archery permit during the Alternative Methods Portion; hunting in a county that is closed during the Antlerless Portion; and hunting small game or furbearers during the Alternative Methods Portion.

Hours

One half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.

Limits

Deer may be taken in accordance with permits held. Hunters may take only two antlered deer during the firearms and archery deer hunting seasons combined. The following restrictions also apply:

Only one antlered deer may be taken prior to the November portion of the firearms deer hunting season. Except, youth hunters who harvest an antlered deer on an archery permit prior to the November portion, may harvest their second antlered deer during the Early Youth Portion of the firearms deer hunting season.

Antlerless permits MAY be used.

Limits apply to the number of antlerless deer hunting permits a hunter may fill in each county. Exceptions to this limit may apply to qualifying resident landowners and lessees. Consult the current Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information Pamphlet.

The following methods are prohibited in use or possession while deer hunting: Firearms (except any person may carry concealable firearms, as defined in Chapter 571, RSMo, on or about his/her person while archery hunting, and firearms possessed under this exception may not be used to take wildlife while archery hunting); arrows, bolts, and darts containing any drug, poison, chemical, or explosive; and electronic calls or electronically activated calls.

Species

White-tailed Deer

Deer - Firearms

Alternative Methods

Dec222018

to

Jan012019

Antlerless (In Open Counties)

Nov302018

to

Dec022018

November Portion

Nov102018

to

Nov202018

Youth - Early Portion

Oct272018

to

Oct282018

Youth - Late Portion

Nov232018

to

Nov252018

Notes

During all portions of the firearms deer hunting season, all persons hunting any game, and also adult mentors accompanying them, must wear a cap or hat and a shirt, vest, or coat of the color commonly known as hunter orange, which must be plainly visible from all sides. Camouflage orange garments do not meet this requirement. Exceptions to this rule include the following: Migratory game bird hunters; Archery hunting within municipal boundaries where the discharge of firearms is prohibited; hunting on federal or state land where only archery methods are allowed; hunting only on an archery permit during the Alternative Methods Portion; hunting in a county that is closed during the Antlerless Portion; and hunting small game or furbearers during the Alternative Methods Portion.

Archery hunting permits are not valid during the November Portion of the Firearms Deer Hunting Season. Hunters using archery methods during this portion must possess a valid firearms deer hunting permit.

Hours

One half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.

Limits

Deer may be taken in accordance with permits held. Hunters may take only two antlered deer during the firearms and archery deer hunting seasons combined. The following restrictions also apply:

Only one antlered deer may be taken during all portions of the firearms deer hunting seasons (This includes landowners in possession of both landowner any-deer hunting permits and regular any-deer hunting permits).

Only one antlered deer may be taken prior to the November portion of the firearms deer hunting season. Except, youth hunters who harvest an antlered deer on an archery permit prior to the November portion, may harvest their second antlered deer during the Early Youth Portion of the firearms deer hunting season.

Antlerless permits MAY be used.

Limits apply to the number of antlerless deer hunting permits a hunter may fill in each county. Exceptions to this limit may apply to qualifying resident landowners and lessees. Consult the current Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information Pamphlet.

Methods

Muzzleloader and Archery Methods during a portion of the deer season when the method is allowed: Muzzleloading or cap-and-ball firearms and/or muzzleloading or cap-and-ball handguns, including revolvers, .40 caliber or larger; longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, crossbows, and atlatls.